As the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) continues to gain momentum, fleet managers are under increasing pressure to assess their fleets and make informed decisions about transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric alternatives. One of the biggest challenges in this process is determining which vehicles in a fleet are best suited for replacement with EVs, based on real-world operational needs and costs. Traditionally, this analysis has required hours of manual data collection and consulting, but thanks to Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool, fleet managers now have a solution that simplifies this complex task and provides actionable insights with precision.
David Brown, Associate Vice President for the APAC region at Geotab, recently discussed the capabilities of the EV Sustainability Tool with Fleet Auto News and how it can save fleet managers significant time, effort, and costs. This tool is revolutionising the way fleet operators approach the transition to electric vehicles, offering data-driven analysis to determine which ICE vehicles are ‘fit for purpose’ for a seamless swap to EVs.
The challenge of transitioning to EVs
Fleet managers often face a daunting task when considering an EV transition. Many factors must be taken into account, including the total cost of ownership (TCO), battery range, charging infrastructure, vehicle downtime, and long-term maintenance costs. This complexity has historically driven businesses to rely on external consultants to develop EV transition plans. These consultants spend months gathering and analysing fleet data, understanding vehicle usage patterns, and recommending which vehicles to replace with EVs.
However, external consulting comes with its own challenges. It is time-consuming, expensive, and doesn’t always provide the level of detail necessary for a fleet that may have diverse vehicle types and operational needs. Furthermore, fleet operators need dynamic solutions, as the operational environment can change rapidly, and historical data alone may not be enough to predict future needs.
This is where Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool stands out. It eliminates the need for lengthy consulting processes by delivering real-time, fleet-specific insights that enable fleet managers to make quick, data-backed decisions.
A data-driven approach to EV transition
Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool utilises real-time telematics data from existing fleets to generate a comprehensive analysis of vehicle usage patterns, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and more. Brown emphasised that the tool works by leveraging the live data from Geotab-connected vehicles, gathering insights on each vehicle’s operations, including routes, fuel consumption, idling times, and maintenance records.
This wealth of information is then processed through the tool’s algorithm to identify which vehicles are most suitable for replacement with EVs. “What sets the tool apart is its ability to provide country-specific data, including information on local EV models, charging infrastructure, and costs,” said Brown. “This makes it easier for fleet managers to determine not only which vehicles can be transitioned but also when it will make the most financial sense to do so.”
One of the most significant features of the EV Sustainability Tool is its ability to calculate the TCO for both the current ICE vehicles and potential EV replacements. This comparison includes an analysis of fuel savings, potential maintenance reductions, and expected battery life. As Brown noted, “The tool gives fleet managers a precise time frame for when an EV will become cost-neutral, and more importantly, when it will start generating savings.”
Fit-for-Purpose vehicle analysis
For fleet managers, the concept of “fit for purpose” is critical. Not every EV will suit every operational need. Some vehicles in a fleet may perform well on short urban routes, while others may need to cover long distances with minimal downtime. Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool takes all of this into account by providing a detailed, vehicle-by-vehicle analysis of which EV models are suitable for specific tasks.
Brown highlighted that the tool’s ability to break down the analysis on a vehicle-specific level has been a game-changer for Geotab customers. “Fleet managers can look at individual vehicles and routes and understand whether an EV will be a suitable replacement,” he explained. “It’s not just about finding a general EV solution for the entire fleet—it’s about matching the right vehicle to the right job.”
This granular level of analysis is particularly valuable for fleets with diverse vehicle types, such as light delivery vans, heavy trucks, and passenger cars. By using real-time operational data, the tool ensures that fleet managers can make decisions based on the actual performance of their vehicles in real-world conditions, rather than relying on theoretical models.
Eliminating the need for consultants
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool is its potential to drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the need for external consultants to develop EV transition plans. Fleet managers can now access the same level of detailed analysis that a consultant would provide, but without the months of waiting and high costs associated with hiring outside experts.
“The time savings are substantial,” said Brown. “What used to take months of analysis and consulting can now be done in a fraction of the time, and the results are often more precise because the tool uses real-time data from the fleet itself.”
Fleet managers can now run a sustainability assessment at any time, adjusting for changes in the fleet, new EV models on the market, or shifts in operational requirements. This flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where decisions need to be made quickly and accurately.
Real-world application: Success stories
According to Brown, the EV Sustainability Tool has already proven to be an invaluable asset to fleets across both Southeast Asia and Australia. Geotab’s customers have used the tool to run assessments on their existing fleets, often discovering that the transition to EVs would be more cost-effective than they initially thought.
“In some cases, businesses realised that they could transition certain vehicles to EVs within six months and start seeing cost savings shortly thereafter,” Brown noted. “This kind of insight empowers fleet managers to make confident, informed decisions without needing to wait for external guidance.”
In addition to financial savings, the tool also provides insights into environmental impact. By transitioning to EVs, fleets can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, which is increasingly important as more governments introduce regulations aimed at reducing emissions.
Seamless integration with existing systems
One of the key advantages of Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool is its seamless integration with Geotab’s existing telematics platform. For fleet managers already using Geotab’s solutions, accessing the tool is as simple as downloading it from the Geotab Marketplace. Once installed, the tool uses data that is already being collected from the fleet’s vehicles, meaning there is no need for additional hardware or data inputs.
“The integration process is straightforward,” said Brown. “For existing Geotab customers, all the data they need is already there, and the tool can immediately start generating insights.”
This ease of use further enhances the tool’s value, as it requires minimal setup time and can start providing actionable insights almost immediately.
The future of fleet management
As more fleet managers look to transition to electric vehicles, tools like Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool will become increasingly essential. By providing real-time, data-driven analysis, the tool not only simplifies the transition process but also ensures that fleet managers can make the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable decisions for their operations.
In an industry where time is money, the ability to quickly assess and implement an EV transition plan is invaluable. Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool represents the future of fleet management, empowering operators to take control of their transition to electric vehicles and, in turn, helping to drive the global shift towards a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
For fleet managers looking to save time, reduce costs, and eliminate the need for expensive consultants, Geotab’s EV Sustainability Tool offers a powerful, comprehensive solution that is already making a difference in fleets around the world.
